Derby Day 2026 handed our Kentucky Derby party Windsor Locks crowd a race for the history books. On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner when Golden Tempo got up by a neck at 23/1. We watched it on more than 80 HD screens at Winners @ Bobby V’s, a short hop from Bradley International Airport.
Bobby V’s isn’t a betting room with a TV in the corner. It’s a full restaurant and sports bar with a racebook inside, which makes it one of the easiest places in North Central Connecticut to throw a Derby party. Here’s how the day went and how to plan your own.
A Kentucky Derby Party Next Door to Bradley Airport
Winners @ Bobby V’s Windsor Locks sits at 11 Schoephoester Rd, right by the airport, with free parking for anyone who isn’t flying. It pulls in locals from Windsor Locks, Suffield and the towns around them, plus travelers killing time before a flight.
Inside you get more than 150 seats, 20 beers on draft, cocktails and a full restaurant menu. On Derby Day that means you can eat lunch, watch the undercard, bet the big one and stay for dinner without moving tables.
Golden Tempo, Cherie DeVaux and a Derby for the History Books
DeVaux’s win made her only the second woman to train the winner of any American Triple Crown race, after Jena Antonucci took the 2023 Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo. She did it with a horse that broke from post 19 and paid $48.24 to win on a $2 bet.
Then there was the family drama. Jose Ortiz won his first Kentucky Derby on Golden Tempo, and the horse he beat by a neck was Renegade, the 4/1 morning line favorite, under his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. Longshot Ocelli finished third. Our Kentucky Derby 2026 results analysis has the full order of finish and every payout.
Betting the Kentucky Derby at Bobby V’s Windsor Locks
The Winners side of Bobby V’s runs live racing, greyhounds and jai alai through simulcast, with self serve kiosks and a manual teller. You need to be 18 or over for the Winners side and 21 or over for the bar and for Fanatics Sportsbook.
On Oaks Day Friday, venues took advance bets on the Derby race only. On Derby Day doors opened at 10am ET, and the Derby went off as Race 12 with a 6:57pm ET post time. Check the Derby weekend guide in our Help Center before next year’s race, since closing times vary by venue.
Can You Bet the Derby Online From Windsor Locks?
Yes, as long as you’re in Connecticut. Churchill Downs tracks, the Derby included, are only available online to MyWinners customers geolocated in the state. That covers you at Bobby V’s, at home in Suffield or anywhere else in CT.
Hosting Your Own Kentucky Derby Party in Windsor Locks
For a Kentucky Derby party Windsor Locks friends and coworkers can all reach easily, Bobby V’s can take the whole group. The full restaurant holds 374 guests. The Dining Room takes up to 110, the Bar up to 100 and the Conference Room up to 20, and the Patio opens when the weather plays along.
Food runs on a build your own buffet for parties of 10 or more. You pick at least four selections from appetizers, sliders, pizzas, sides, entrees and desserts, and soft drinks come free with the buffet.
Parties of 25 or more need to preorder, with menus in two weeks before the event and a final head count one week out. A deposit of 50 percent of the food and drink order confirms the booking. Send an inquiry through the Bobby V’s Windsor Locks private events page.
Plan Next Year’s Derby Day With Us
The Kentucky Derby party Windsor Locks fans got this year came with a historic winner and a $48.24 payout, and the Derby returns on the first Saturday in May. Book early if you want a room.
Go here to find your nearest MyWinners or Winners venue in CT. For Kentucky Derby day and other party bookings call 860-627-5808 or email [email protected].
